Electronic coin tester

ABSTRACT

An electronic coin tester or coin checking device comprising a controllable correct/incorrect switch arrangement for receiving or returning coins and arranged at a discharge end of a measuring channel, and one or a number of controllable follower switches arranged below the aforesaid switch arrangement at the coin track or path of travel for the accepted proper coins, said follower switch serving for sorting the correct or good coins in coin type-related outlet channels.

United States Patent 91 Priimm [451 Nov. 4, 1975 ELECTRONIC COIN TESTER[76] Inventor: Georg J. Priimm, Kolner Strasse 235, 5275 Bergneustadt,Germany [22] Filed: June 14, 1974 [21] Appl. No: 479,409

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data June 20, 1973 Germany 2332362June 20, 1973 Germany 2332361 [52] US. Cl 133/3 R; 194/1 C; 209/74 [51]Int. CI. G07D 3/14 [58] Field of Search 133/3; 194/1 C, l D, 1 K,

l94/DIG. 15, 100 A; 209/74 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS4/1937 Jonneret 194/1 D 4/1942 Friend 194/1 D 3,199,517 8/1965Wheelbarger 133/3 R 3,599,771 8/1971 Hinterstocker 194/100 A 3,640,3672/1972 Noetinger 209/74 R Primary Examiner-Robert B. Reeves AssistantExaminer.Thomas E. Kocovsky Attorney, Agent, or FirmWerner W. Kleeman[57] ABSTRACT An electronic coin tester or coin checking devicecomprising a controllable correct/incorrect switch arrangement forreceiving or returning coins and arranged at a discharge end of ameasuring channel, and one or a number of controllable follower switchesarranged below the aforesaid switch arrangement at the coin track orpath of travel for the accepted proper coins, said follower switchserving for sorting the correct or good coins in coin type-relatedoutlet channels.

10 Claims, 13 Drawing Figures Sheet 1 of 4 US. Patent Nov. 4, 1975 US.Patent No v. 4, 1975 Sheet 2 of4 3,916,922

ELECTRONIC COIN TESTER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present inventionrelates to electronic coin testers or coin checking devices of the typeincorporating two or more outlet or discharge openings for the acceptedproper or correct coins.

The heretofore known electronic coin testers only possess a controlledtwo-way switch, so that incorrect or improper coins are returned and allgood or proper coins irrespective of their different types orclassifications are accepted through a single outlet or drop opening.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is a primary object of the present inventionto provide an improved construction of electronic coin checking deviceequipped with controllable switches which divert the accepted good orproper coins into different chutes.

Another important object of this invention aims at ensuring for thefaultless functioning of such multi-path sorting devices and providing aconstruction enabling sorting of coins into different tracks or pathswith very few means arranged in a space saving arrangement and with thegreatest possible speed.

The hereinafter disclosed constructions and circuit arrangements canrelate to electrical and electronic coin checking devices of every typewithout regard to any given employed measuring technique. The mostextensively known coin testers possess a two-way switch for sorting thecoins into so-called proper or correct coins and improper or incorrectcoins. Such coin testers can be constructed in the most different ways.The proposals of the invention are related to socalled follower switchesintended to be arranged be neath a two-way switch and the function ofwhich much be accommodated to that of the two-way switch.

However, it is specifically mentioned that the hereinafter describedconstructions also can be employed as two-way or three-way switchesbeneath a measuring device for coins without there being employed one ofthe known two-way switches. The concepts of the invention therefore arealso applicable for such type coin checking devices or coin testers.

According to the invention there is proposed for the first time toensure for the faultless functioning of a sorting system (which as arule consists of a proper/improper switch and one or more subsequentlyarranged follower switches) constructed of two or more sorting switchesthat the follower switches are likewise constructed to be controllable,for instance in the manner that they can be moved by the force of anelectromagnet against the force of a restoring spring, and wherein thefollower switches are energized for a longer time period than theproper/improper switch.

The actuation time for the follower switches must be calculated so thatit is long enough that a coin to be sorted in any case has sufficienttime to reach the desired outlet channel. On the other hand, theactuation of the proper/improper switch should only be maintained forthe shortest possible time, namely, only for that length of time untilthe coin has entered into the receiving or acceptance channel for goodcoins and the proper/improper switch should again close directly behindthe accepted good coin.

Both the proper/improper switch as well as the follower switch can becontrolled via a timing element as well as by switches. This will bediscussed more fully hereinafter.

Due to the proposals of the invention there is ensured that a furthercoin which follows a good or proper coin will not arrive togethertherewith into the sorting system and block such. The proposals of theinvention therefore obtain a defined timewise separation of theacceptance of the coins and bring about an acceptance cycle which isindependent of the sequence of inserting the coins.

A further aspect of the invention assists this objective in thataccording to the invention the measuringand evaluation circuit of thecoin checking device is constructed such that after accepting a propercoin it remains blocked for the acceptance of any further coins for suchlength of time until the follower switch and in the case of a number offollower switches the slowesthas again reset. According to this proposalof the invention a coin directly following each good coin is rejected,irrespective of whether it is a proper or improper coin. In this way itis possible, depending upon requirements, to provide sufficient longtime intervals between the acceptance of two coins, completelyaccommodating the requirements of the sorting system. There are overcomethe heretofore known drawbacks which exist with the state-of-the-artcoin testers by virtue of counterfeit money or the too rapid insertionof the coins and which can lead to blocking of the sorting system.

A further aspect of the invention aims at initially guiding the coins tobe sorted in a drop or fall line and then preferably alternatelydiverting such coins laterally towards the left and towards the right ieto one side or the other. In this way there is achieved in toto for manycoin typesa considerably lower structural height of the Sorting systemthan otherwise possible if the coins are only diverted to one side.

The constructional height which is available is limited and it notpossible to classify or sort a random large number of coin types in themanner to be described hereinafter. According to a further facit of theinvention it is particularly advantageous to guide two respective cointypes into a common outlet channel and to additionally provide within orbelow the same a two-way or two-path sorting, for instance by means of asorting flap subdividing such coin path and doubling the sortingpossibilities.

It is of particular advantage if, according to a further aspect of theinvention, all of the outlet channels (of which each are only individualones 'guide two coin types) are arranged in alignment and doubling ofthe sorting possibility is attained by a single two/way switch actuatedby only a single magnet.

All electronic coin checkers tap-off coin typerelated pulses from themeasuring circuit for the control of the vending machine or the like. Tothis end there is generally provided a logical coupling circuit. Afurther proposal of the invention relates to employing the existinglogic circuitry partially for the appropriate control of theproper/improper switch and the follower switches.

According to the invention this control of the switches can occur inaccordance with a fixed or variable program. The latter is then ofadvantage if there are arranged beneath the outlet openings for theindividual coin types automatically filling stacking tubes for thechange i.e. the money which is given back as change. Overflowing of suchstacking tubes is prevented with the heretofore known coin devices bymechanical means which occupy a certain structural height and thereforelead to a certain loss in stacking height. According to the invention itis possible to achieve a greater supply of the change money for the sameheight of the device in that the degree of filling of the stacking tubesis interrogated by suitable switches and such are switched in a mannerthat they act upon the sorting logic and for the duration of theiractuation conduct incoming coins of the relevant type or classificationto another outlet opening. It is possible, for instance, to allow one ofthe sorting channels to directly open into a coin cashbox and to directthe overflow from all other coin channels likewise directly into thecashbox.

The basic concepts of the invention can be employed in conjunction withthe most different mechanical sorting structures. There will bediscussed hereinafter only two particularly advantageous constructionsin detail and further comments regarding the invention will also bediscussed hereinafter.

The initially described system in principle consists of a fork-typesorting element which is displacably arranged transversely with respectto the direction of movement of the coins. The second system describes athree-way switch formed of two movable flaps.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be betterunderstood and objects other than those set forth above, will becomeapparent when consideration is given to the following detaileddescription thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexeddrawings wherein:

FIGS. 1 to schematically illustrate a first type of sorting system, andwherein,

FIG. 1 schematically shows the drop channel for the coins;

FIG. 2 illustrates a further embodiment of the sorting system of thefirst exemplary embodiment having a space-saving construction;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a sorting element wherein forclarification the plates have only been shown in the form of channels;

FIG. 4 illustrates a view looking in the direction of the arrow IV ofFIG. 3 of the arrangement thereof,

FIG. 5 illustrates a view of the arrangement of FIG. 3 looking in thedirection of the arrow V;

FIGS. 6 to 9 illustrate a second embodiment of sorting system; andwherein FIGS. 6a, 6b and 6c schematically illustrate the basic positionof both flaps relative to one another and both of the additionallyattainable working positions respectively;

FIGS. 7a, 7b and 7c illustrate the three positions which are attainedupon viewing the system from above and likewise shown schematically;

FIG. 8 shows in the same view the particularly advantageous arrangementof flexed or bent flaps at the flap armatures of magnets which aresecured at the outside of the device; and

FIG. 9 illustrates a complete sorting system according to the inventionarranged at a coin checker or tester with the aforementioned circuitryand illustrated in a functional diagramatic schematic showing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Describing now thedrawings, in FIG. 1 reference numeral 1 designates a drop or fallchannel for coins and its lower end has been designated by referencecharacter 2. The sorting channels which laterally branch-off of the dropchannel 1 have been designated by reference numerals 3, 4 and 5.Additionally, it is to be understood that reference numerals 30, 40 and50 designate fork-like or bifurcated sorting elements or switches. Inthe illustrated position all of the sorting elements 30, 40 and 50 areshown in their rest position. Their legs, 31, 41 and 51 block the inletsto the branched-off sorting channels 3, 4 and 5. The legs 32, 42 and 52are located in recesses 33, 43 and 53 respectively, of the coin testerplate, so that a certain coin type or sort can drop unhindered in freefall downwardly into the channel 2. Other types of coins can be verysimply conducted into the other outlet by controlling one of the sortingelements. In order to sort a coin in the channel 4 the switch 40 must becontrolled, the leg 42 of which can now close the channel 1 towards thebottom. At the same time the leg 41 moves out of the blocking positionlikewise towards the front and into a not particularly illustratedrecessed portion of the front boundary wall for all of the coinchannels. A coin which drops downwardly through the channel 1 is thusguided by the leg 42 into the channel 4.

In FIG. 2 there is illustrated a particularly advantageousconstructional embodiment having a space-saving structural height.According to a proposal of the invention the coins are alternatelylaterally diverted i.e. towards the right and towards the left of themain drop or fall channel 1 which continues into the branched portion10. The corresponding outlets or discharges are designated by referencenumerals 20, 30, 40 and 50. The sorting elements have been designated byreference numerals 60, 70, and and are actuated by not here particularlyillustrated magnets against the force of a restoring spring or the like,as will be again considered more fully hereinafter. The legs 61, 71, 81and 91 of the sorting elements, when in their basic position, block thelateral branched portions of the drop channel 1, so that a coin can beconducted into the outlet or discharge 10.

The legs 62 and 82 of the sorting elements are located in recesses 63and 83 of the coin tester plate 12, the legs 72 and 92 in correspondingrecesses of the not particularly illustrated front boundary plate forall sorting channels. According to a proposal of the invention thesorting elements 60/70 and 80/90 which are arranged at the sameelevation are adjusted in opposition to one another, in other words, forinstance element 60 by means of a thrust magnet and element 70 by meansof a pulling or traction magnet. In this way it is possible to preventthe legs 62 and 72 from mutually hindering one another and thestructural height of the system can be optimumly utilized. Further, itis believed that the function of the system will be readily apparentfrom the foregoing disclosure.

In FIG. 3 there is illustrated in perspective view a sorting element,and wherein for purposes of clarity the plates and 111 have simply beenportrayed as channels.

FIG. 4 illustrates a sorting element viewed in the direction of thearrow IV of FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 illustrates a view of the sorting elementlooking in the direction of the arrow V of FIG. 3.

'In particular, FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 show an attachment plate 101 with aguide slot 102, a magnet 103 and its armature 104. At a bracket 105there is mounted a return or restoring spring 106. The bracket 105guided in the guide slot 102 secures the magnet armature 104 againstrotation.

The front end of the magnet annature 104 has been designated byreference number 107, and the sorting legs mounted thereat by referencecharacters 108 and 109. The drop channel 1 formed by the plates 1 and 111 for the coins is freed by the sorting legs in the one position towardsthe left downwardly and in the other position towards the rightdownwardly. The lateral movement of such sorting legs is renderedpossible in that the plates 110 and 111 possess appropriatethroughpassages or openings 112 and 113, through which there can beshifted the laterally movable legs.

At this point there will now be generally considered the secondexemplary embodiment of sorting system. According to the invention twomovable flaps are arranged such that their spacing from one another withvertical position is greater than the inner dimensions of a superimposedarranged outlet or drop opening for coins or a measuring channel or thelike. In this position of the flaps a coin can drop down therebetween.If done of both flaps are retained in such position and the other flapobliquely positioned, so that it contacts the vertical arranged flap,then a coin which drops from above can slide over the obliquely orinclined positioned flap in a laterally downwardly directed direction.

It is possible to position at an inclination the one or the other flap,so that in toto there are provided three sorting paths, namely avertically downwardly directed sorting path, a second sorting path whichis directed downwardly towards the left and a third sorting path whichis directed downwardly towards the right.

According to the invention both of the flaps are preferably arrangedsuch that their horizontal pivot axes or shafts extend at their lowerportion or in alignment with their lower edges. This arrangement ascontemplated by the invention affords a large number of advantages. Aprimary advantageresides in the fact that it is possible to mount theflaps in their rotary bearings so as to be easily accessible andtherefore there are only required small adjustment forces, smaller thanwould be the case for a horizontal displacement. The rriost advantageousconstructional arrangement can be realized according to a furtherproposal of the invention in that the sorting flaps are fixedlyconnected with the flap armature of a flap armature magnet, so that theypractically only constitute the lateral extension of one such flaparmature and at their free end there is only required an additionalmounting. In conjunction with a return spring such flap armatureconstruction affords particularly rapid actuation times for the sortingflaps.

A further very important advantage of the invention resides in the factthat the height of the sorting flaps and thus the constructional heightof the entire sorting switch can be maintained very small because it isnot dependent upon the diameter of the largest coins which are to besorted, rather upon the closing angle of the flap armature and thetransition angle from the inclined position into the vertical position.

The inventive aspect that the flaps pivot about their lower edge bringswith it a further advantage. With this construction the control time forthe flaps can be maintained particularly brief because it is onlynecessary that at the point in time of the arrival of a coin at theheight of their upper edges such must be located in the desired sortingposition. Directly thereafter, when the lower edge of the coin has beendeflected into a predetermined direction, and the coin body in the mainaxis is still located above the flap upper edge, the control of theflaps can already be terminated. Their return into the starting positioncoincides with the further downward movement of the coins and finally isdetermined thereby. The restoring force for the flaps is dimensioned soweakly that an extremely early termination of the control can not leadto a binding or clamping of the coin between the upper edges of theflaps and such owing to its weight will drop down in any event. Directlybehind the dropping coin the sorting flap again switches or flips backinto its starting position and is in such position already when the coinwith its upper edge is located only slightly below the upper edge of thesorting flap. A second 'coin which approximately follows the first coinis already again deflected in another direction. According to the systemof this development there can be attained a sorting speed which exceedsthat of any other system.

Further concepts of the invention relate to the lateral bounding orlimiting of the drop path of the coins, and specifically in each of thethree conceivable directions. With particular advantage the intermediatesorting path is arranged to lead vertically downwardly (although this isnot absolutely necessary), so that one of three coin types can movealong a vertical drop or fall line without hitting against the flaps. Inpractice, however, a lateral delimiting or bounding of such sorting pathwill be necessary, especially for ensuring for proper functioning evenwith an inclination of the entire device to all sides. According to afurther aspect of the invention each flap member at the inside, to theright and left of the sorting path, can have associated therewith arespective web which extends in a flattened condition towards the upperedge, the wedge-shaped configuration of which depends upon the positionof both flap members with respect to one another. Both of the webs ofeach flap are laterally offset with respect to those of the other flap,so that with a parallel positioning of both flaps there is provided byvirtue of both wedges essentially a bounding or limitation of theintermediate space towards the sides. However, at the upper portion ofthe chute there remains to each side a small wedge-shaped section whichis not covered.

With particular advantage it is therefore desirable according to theinvention to dimension the webs serving as the lateral boundary so as tohave such a height that their height is greater than the inner spacingof both flaps. This requires appropriate throughpassages or openings inthe oppositely situated flaps. Advantageously each flap is equipped withonly one web and one throughpassage or opening for the web of the otherThis construction ensures that independent of the possible angularpositions of the flaps to one another there is always limited completelyall around the drop chute for the coins which extends therebetween. Thepreviously discussed flaps extend as closely as possible at right anglesto the pivot axis of the flaps, in other words approximately in the dropor fall direction of the coins.

Both of the other resultant sorting paths for the coins, in eachinstance via an inclined positioned outer side of a flap, can extend inan offset manner towards one side adjacent the central sorting path. Inthis case there is also provided at the outside of the flaps suitablevertically downwardly extending webs or even closed chutes.

Generally, the sorting or classification of the coins is howeverrequired along different drop paths in order to fill stacking tubes forchange coins or the like which are arranged beneath the coin tester, andwhich stacking tubes possess a mutual lateral spacing from one another.Therefore the outer sorting path must not extend vertically downwardlypast the outside of the inclined positioned sorting flap, ratherlaterally towards the bottom. In this regard it is to be observed thatsuch lateral downwardly extending sorting path for a coin is nothindered by a web which can piercingly extend through the recessprovided therefor as an extension of the other flap and can hinder thetravel of the coin. The external laterally downwardly extending sortingpath therefore must extend away in each instance on that side of animaginary vertical at which there is not arranged the described recessof the flap.

Having now had the benefit of the foregoing description concerning thebasic construction of the flaps for this embodiment, there will now beconsidered in detail an exemplary embodiment of the invention ofparticularly advantageous construction and there will also be madecertain further observations concerning specific concepts of theinvention.

Referring therefore specifically to FIG. 6 there will be recognized thatthe drop opening or channel has been again designated by referencenumeral 1, this drop opening 1 being arranged behind guide channelsfollowing a sorting switch, these guide channels serving for guiding thecoins and being designated by reference characters 2, 3 and 4. Partitionwalls between the two channels are designated by reference numerals 200and 300, the movable flaps arranged thereabove by reference characters11 and 12, and their pivot axes or shafts by reference characters 13 and14.

FIG. 6a illustrates the basic position of the system: flap 11 isvertically arranged, flap 12 is positioned so as to be inclined andleans against flap 11. This basic position is brought about by notparticularly illustrated springs or the like. A coin dropping out of theopening 1 is guided in the guide channel 2.

FIG. 6b shows the position in which the coins drop into the guidechannel 3. In so doing, the flap 12 must be moved by a here notparticularly illustrated magnet against the force of a spring into avertical working position. If both magnets are energized then also theflap 11 moves out of its vertical basic position into an inclinedworking position (FIG. 60) and a coin is delivered to the guide path 4.

It is thus apparent that with both of the sorting flaps there can beattained a total of three sorting paths or tracks.

FIG. 7 illustrates a plan view the same situation wherein the referencecharacters employed therein have been conveniently used to designate thesame components as shown in FIG. 6. However, in this case it is assumedthat the coins are not only intended to be sorted or classified in threeparallel adjacently arranged chutes, rather that the three chutes mustpossess a lateral spacing relative to one another.

Therefore at the outside of the flap 11 there is arranged so as toextend vertically a web 15 which continues at itslower portion in aninclined floor 16; laterally there is mounted a wall 17 which issupported by a boundary web 18. In this way there is formed a chutewhich deviates downwardly at an inclination the coins and the guidetrack or path 4 provides a double lateral offset to the drop ordischarge 19. It is apparent that the lateral direction (from 4 to 19)is predetermined since in the opposite direction the dropping out of thecoins is prevented by the web 20 of the flap 21. Guide track or path4/19 is only then in use, as has been shown, when both magnets areenergized (FIG. In the basic position of both of the flaps 11 and 12, onthe other hand the guide path 2/22 is in use (FIG. 7a). If only the flap12 has been switched then the free fall between both of the flaps inother words the guide path 3- is free (FIG. 719). Both of the sortingflaps and the webs 23 and 20 secured thereto form a completely enclosedchute. The webs 23 and 20 can be higher than the inner spacing of thesorting flaps to one another because the recesses 24 and 25 areprovided.

In FIG. 8 the frame or housing of the device has been designated byreference numeral 1000, at the inside of which there are arranged inoffset relationship at the same elevation but laterally through thelateral spacing of the pivot axes 21 and 31, the magnets which have beendesignated by reference numerals 1020 and 1030. It is apparent thatextensively independent of the position of the drop opening 1 and thethereunder starting guide path 2 the spacing of the side walls 1001 and1002 can be maintained as small as possible, and only is dependent uponthe length of the actuation magnets in addition to the free space forthe movement of the flap armature. The stepped or flexed arrangement ofthe flaps l1 and 12 in their lengthwise direction permits of aparticularly compact construction of coin tester, having great practicalsignificance. The installation space for coin testers is prescribed bypreviously employed mechanical constructions within automatic vendingmachines and must be maintained in the interest of providing thedesirable exchangability. In FIG. 8 there is shown the basic position ofboth flap members or flaps, wherein in this case both of the flaparmature magnets are not energized. Consequently, the guide path 2/22 islocated below the broken line shown drop opening 1 in preparatoryposition.

As is the case for any sorting switch the described sorting switchesaccording to this invention in each case naturally can only process onecoin. Accordingly to the invention it is necessary to thus ensure that afurther coin will first then arrive in the proper/improper orcorrect/incorrect switch when the leading coin has positively departedfrom the sorting system of one or a number of follower switches.

FIG. 9 illustrates the cooperation between a complete sorting system ofthe invention and the coin tester and the measuringand evaluationcircuit of the coin tester.

Coins dropping out of the measuring channel 1 which have not beenclassified as proper or correct coins by the measuring probe 26 and theacceptance of which therefore is not brought about by the measuringandevaluation circuit or which are not accepted by the measuringandevaluation circuit notwithstanding good measurement results of the probe26 because the sorting arrangement of the invention has not yetcompleted the sorting of a leading coin (in this case because uponswitching-in one of the magnets 27, 210, 220 or 400 a blocking circuit142 is energized via the line 141) drop via the inclined positioned flap28 of a proper/improper switch into the return chute 29 which is boundedby the walls 30 and 31 and open into the discharge or outlet 100. Whennone of the magnets 27, 210, 220, and 400 is energized any longer by aleading coin and the measuring probe 26 delivers a positive measurementresult, then, the sorting flap 28 is controlled by the magnet 27 andbriefly pivotably moves about its shaft or pivot axis 30 into the brokenline position 31. An accepted proper coin is thus deflected into thesystem of the fanned-out six receiving or accep tance channels310/311/321/330/331. Depending upon the coin type simultaneous with thesorting flap 28, if desired, there is also controlled one or a number ofthe other sorting flaps 32, 33, 41, 42 or 43, depending upon into whichchute the corresponding coin is to be deflected. ln the illustratedembodiment only the flap 33 has been activated after the flap 28 whichhas already again dropped back and therefore the drop path 35/321 forthe coin 143 is opened. A further coin 144, notwithstanding a goodmeasurement result at the probe 26, is not accepted because the magnet220 is energized, and accordingly via the line 141 the blocking circuit142 prevents the acceptance of any further coins until the leading coinhas been positively accepted. Consequently, coin 144 is guided into thereturn opening 100 and can not hinder the proper course of the sortingoperation for the coin 143.

The wiper-like control of the soft magnet 27 occurs by means of a timingelement 300. However, instead of such, according toa further concept ofthe invention, this could also occur in that the acceptance signalconcerning a proper or good coin controls the switch and a switchelement arranged at the region of the switch terminates such controlupon the arrival of a coin.

The flaps 32 and 33 are controllable individually or in combination viatheir actuation magnets 210 and 220, so that, as has already beendescribed in detail, three sorting paths 34, 35 and 36 are provided. Theflaps 41, 42 and 43 should be positively connected with one another andthus can be conjointly actuated by a single magnet 400, so that thesorting possibility is now doubled from three to six.

It was previously already mentioned that the flap 28 is energized for asbriefly as possible, however the actuation time of the follower switchesmuch be longer. Each of the magnets for the follower switches thereforehas a time-determining switching stage, the time of which is longer thanthe wiper time of the timing stage 300 or each of the magnets for thefollower switches has associated therewith a bistable switching element211, 221, 401 which assumes the switching-in operation on the basis of asignal and terminates such first then when a further resetting pulseshould eliminate the switched position. This embodiment of the inventiveconcept has been illustrated in FIG. 9. The resetting of the bistableswitching stages occurs by means of a light beam or photoelectric switch201/202, which monitors all of the three chutes 34, 35 and 36 anddelivers a pulse whenever a coin and as long as such coin interrupts thebundle of light rays. Upon termination of the beam interruption, inother words at the end of the signal, a circuit 204 delivers a restoringpulse to the bistable switching stages 211, 221 and 401. This restoringpulse occurs therefore first at the point time at which a coin hastravelled into one of the chutes 310/311,

10 320/321 or 330/331. The same restoring pulse is also delivered to theblocking stage 142 which is associated with a timing stage having alonger time-constant, which upon arrival of a signal is started throughthe agency of the conductor or line 141 and upon the arrival of a signalfrom the circuit 204 is stopped.

The aforementioned light beam switch consists of a transmitter 202 atthe intermediate wall 31 and a receiver 201 at the outer wall 37 of'thesorting device.

The measuringand evaluation circuit of the coin tester contains alogical coupling circuit which as a function of the nature of themeasuring signal for the recognized and accepted proper coins externallydelivers via one of the conductors 601 to 606 a respective countingpulse.

The sorting magnet 27 is arranged via the timing stage 300 at each ofthe six pulse conductors or lines, so that in each instance there occursa control as soon as a counting signal is delivered through the agencyof one of the six lines or conductors.

The sorting magnet 220 is located only at four of the six pulse lines orconductors, so that it cannot be energized when counting pulses aredelivered via the conductors 601 or 602. In such instance the flap 33 isnot energized and the relevant coins arrive at the chute 36. In orderthat one can arrive at the outlet 331 and the other at the outlet 330the sorting magnet 400 is connected with one of these two pulse lines601 or 602, in the illustrated example with the pulse line or conductor602.

The pulse conductors or lines 603 and 604 service a sorting magnet 220and open the chute 35. Again one of both pulse lines is alsobranched-off at the sorting magnet 400, so that with an output countingsignal via the conductor 604 such can actuate the flap 42 and conductthe coin into the outlet 320, whereas a signal via the pulse conductor603 leads to a sorting of the coins at the outlet 321. i i Y An outletcounting pulse via the line 605 energizes magnets 210 and 220, so that acorresponding coin can arrive in the outlet 311, an output countingpulse via the line 606 energizes the magnets 210, 220 and 400, so that acoin can be conducted into the outlet 310. It is of particular advantageif the logical control of the employed magnet is carried out in themanner that there is used logic circuitry which is present anyway forthe circuitry 140 or such is used in part.

A further proposal of the invention relates to the provision ofapparatuses which in a logical control for the sorting magnets arecapable of cominginto play as a function of the output counting signal.In the illustrated exemplary embodiment there is shown an arrangementwherein a stacking tube 320 for coins is located beneath the outlet ordrop opening 310, and which tube when filled closes a work contact 321and therefore energizes a relay 322. The infeed conductors for themagnets 210, 220 and 400 are lead via interrupter contacts 323, 324 and325 to the relay 322 and are interrupted upon energization of the relay.Consequently, a cointype which is intended for the stacking tube 320 -aslong as switch 321 is closed and reportsthat such coin 1 1 may beotherwise variously embodied and practiced within the scope of thefollowing claims. Accordingly,

What is claimed is:

1. An electronic coin checking device, comprising a measuring channelhaving an outlet, a controllable coin proper/improper switch means forthe reception or return of coins arranged at the outlet of saidmeasuring channel, means defining a coin path of travel for the acceptedcoins, and at least one controllable follower switch means for sortingthe proper coins in typerelated outlet channels arranged beneath saidproper- /improper switch means in the coin path of travel for theaccepted proper coins, and measuringand evaluation circuit meansincluding means for controlling the proper/improper switch means for ashorter period of time than the follower switch means.

2. The coin checking device as defined in claim 1, wherein themeasuringand evaluation circuit means of the coin checking device afterthe recognition of a proper coin includes means which maintains saidcircuit means blocked at least for the duration of the actuation time ofthe follower switch means for the reception of further coins.

3. The coin checking device as defined in claim 2, including a timingcircuit for determining the actuation duration of the follower switchmeans, the time of said timing circuit being determined by the longestresulting throughfall time for a coin through the switch means andduring the thus determined minimum actuation time for the followerswitch means there is blocked the delivery coins into the sortingdevice.

4. The coin checking device as defined in claim 2, further includingmeans for initiating the actuation of the follower switch means by asignal, and by means of said signal there is terminated a switch elementarranged at the region of drop out openings, and wherein the actuationtime resulting as a function of the throughfall time of the coin for thefollower switch means prevents the delivery of further coins into thesorting device.

5. An electronic coin checking device, comprising a measuring channelhaving an outlet, a controllable coin proper/improper switch means forthe reception or return of coins arranged at the outlet of saidmeasuring channel, means defining a coin path of travel for the acceptedcoins, a plurality of controllable follower switch means for sorting theproper coins in type-related outlet channels arranged beneath saidproper/improper switch means in the coin path of travel for the acceptedproper coins, each of said follower switch means is provided with afork-like sorting element arranged to be displaceable transversely withrespect to the direction of travel of the coins, said fork-like sortingelement having a pair of legs, which legs in one of two possiblepositions frees a downwardly directed branched portion of the coinchannel in one direction and blocks such in another direction, saidfollower switch means alternately laterally deviating out of a fall linethe coins, and wherein said plurality of follower switch means embodytwo neighbouring follower switch means, one of said follower switchmeans being actuated by a traction magnet the other by a thrust magnetagainst the force of restoring springs.

6. An electronic coin checking device, comprising a measuring channelhaving an outlet, a controllable coin proper/improper switch means forthe reception or return of coins arranged at the outlet of saidmeasuring channel, means defining a coin path of travel for the acceptedcoins, and at least one controllable follower switch means for sortingthe proper coins in typerelated outlet channels arranged beneath saidproper- Iimproper switch means in the coin path of travel for theaccepted proper coins, said follower switch means comprises a three-wayswitch constructed from two movable flaps, wherein both flaps withparallel positioning thereof relative to one another form a chutedefined by mutual spacing therebetween, said chute extending in analignment direction with an outlet opening located thereabove, thelateral boundary of said chute formed by both flaps is defined byprotruding webs arranged approximately at right angles to substantiallyhorizontal pivot means of the flaps at the inside thereof, and each flappossesses at least one such web, one boundary web of the one fiapdefines one lateral boundary of the chute and the web of the other flapthe other boundary of the chute, the height of the webs is greater thanthe spacing of both flaps and each flap is provided with recesses intowhich there can piercingly extend the web of the other flap, thehorizontal pivot means of the flaps extend at their lower portion, andwherein at least one flap is provided with at least one further web atthe outside thereof which faces away from the other flap and whichdefines the path of a coin which drops in from above without such beinghindered by that web which protrudes at the extension of the other flapinto the recess provided therefor at the region at the outside of theone flap.

7. An electronic coin checking device, comprising a measuring channelhaving an outlet, a controllable coin proper/improper switch means forthe reception or return of coins arranged at the outlet of saidmeasuring channel, means defining a coin path of travel for the acceptedcoins, and at least one controllable follower switch means for sortingthe proper coins in typerelated outlet channels arranged beneath saidproper- /improper switch means in the coin path of travel for theaccepted proper coins, said follower switch means comprises a three-wayswitch constructed from two movable flaps, means for selectivelyactuating said flaps, and wherein said flaps can assume a basic positionat which time none of the flaps are actuated, wherein one flap isvertically arranged and the other arranged at an inclination, andwherein both upper edges of said flaps extend substantially parallel andcontact to one side of an imaginary drop line, so that a coin whicharrives from above is deflected via the inclined positioned outer sideof the inclined flap from the imaginary fall line towards the otherside, wherein upon actuating only one flap such no longer contacts theother flap and assumes a parallel position to the non-actuated flapwhich remains in its vertical basic position, so that the coin whichenters from above can move between both flaps downwardly along theimaginary fall line, and wherein upon actuating both flaps one moves outof the inclined basic position into a vertical work position, the otherflap moves out of the vertical basic position into an inclined workingposition, and wherein both flaps in the working position contact oneanother along their parallel extending upper edges, contact of said twoflaps being established to one side of an imaginary fall line, so that acoin which arrives from above can be deflected towards the other side ofthe imaginary fall line via the inclined positioned outside surface ofthe inclined flap, said actuating means for the flaps comprise magneticactuating means and said flaps are retained in a basic position by theforce of 9. The coin checking device as defined in claim 8, wherein alltype-related outlet channels of the follower switch means are located inalignment with one another.

10. The coin checking device as defined in claim 9, wherein a number ofoutlet channels of the follower switch means are serviced by a singletwo-way switch means for the purpose of doubling the sortingpossibilities.

1. An electronic coin checking device, comprising a measuring chaNnelhaving an outlet, a controllable coin proper/improper switch means forthe reception or return of coins arranged at the outlet of saidmeasuring channel, means defining a coin path of travel for the acceptedcoins, and at least one controllable follower switch means for sortingthe proper coins in typerelated outlet channels arranged beneath saidproper/improper switch means in the coin path of travel for the acceptedproper coins, and measuring- and evaluation circuit means includingmeans for controlling the proper/improper switch means for a shorterperiod of time than the follower switch means.
 2. The coin checkingdevice as defined in claim 1, wherein the measuring- and evaluationcircuit means of the coin checking device after the recognition of aproper coin includes means which maintains said circuit means blocked atleast for the duration of the actuation time of the follower switchmeans for the reception of further coins.
 3. The coin checking device asdefined in claim 2, including a timing circuit for determining theactuation duration of the follower switch means, the time of said timingcircuit being determined by the longest resulting throughfall time for acoin through the switch means and during the thus determined minimumactuation time for the follower switch means there is blocked thedelivery coins into the sorting device.
 4. The coin checking device asdefined in claim 2, further including means for initiating the actuationof the follower switch means by a signal, and by means of said signalthere is terminated a switch element arranged at the region of drop outopenings, and wherein the actuation time resulting as a function of thethroughfall time of the coin for the follower switch means prevents thedelivery of further coins into the sorting device.
 5. An electronic coinchecking device, comprising a measuring channel having an outlet, acontrollable coin proper/improper switch means for the reception orreturn of coins arranged at the outlet of said measuring channel, meansdefining a coin path of travel for the accepted coins, a plurality ofcontrollable follower switch means for sorting the proper coins intype-related outlet channels arranged beneath said proper/improperswitch means in the coin path of travel for the accepted proper coins,each of said follower switch means is provided with a fork-like sortingelement arranged to be displaceable transversely with respect to thedirection of travel of the coins, said fork-like sorting element havinga pair of legs, which legs in one of two possible positions frees adownwardly directed branched portion of the coin channel in onedirection and blocks such in another direction, said follower switchmeans alternately laterally deviating out of a fall line the coins, andwherein said plurality of follower switch means embody two neighbouringfollower switch means, one of said follower switch means being actuatedby a traction magnet the other by a thrust magnet against the force ofrestoring springs.
 6. An electronic coin checking device, comprising ameasuring channel having an outlet, a controllable coin proper/improperswitch means for the reception or return of coins arranged at the outletof said measuring channel, means defining a coin path of travel for theaccepted coins, and at least one controllable follower switch means forsorting the proper coins in type-related outlet channels arrangedbeneath said proper/improper switch means in the coin path of travel forthe accepted proper coins, said follower switch means comprises athree-way switch constructed from two movable flaps, wherein both flapswith parallel positioning thereof relative to one another form a chutedefined by mutual spacing therebetween, said chute extending in analignment direction with an outlet opening located thereabove, thelateral boundary of said chute formed by both flaps is defined byprotruding webs arranged approximately at right angles to substantiallyhorizontal pivot means of the flaps at the inside thereof, and each flappossesses at least one such web, one boundary web of the one flapdefines one lateral boundary of the chute and the web of the other flapthe other boundary of the chute, the height of the webs is greater thanthe spacing of both flaps and each flap is provided with recesses intowhich there can piercingly extend the web of the other flap, thehorizontal pivot means of the flaps extend at their lower portion, andwherein at least one flap is provided with at least one further web atthe outside thereof which faces away from the other flap and whichdefines the path of a coin which drops in from above without such beinghindered by that web which protrudes at the extension of the other flapinto the recess provided therefor at the region at the outside of theone flap.
 7. An electronic coin checking device, comprising a measuringchannel having an outlet, a controllable coin proper/improper switchmeans for the reception or return of coins arranged at the outlet ofsaid measuring channel, means defining a coin path of travel for theaccepted coins, and at least one controllable follower switch means forsorting the proper coins in type-related outlet channels arrangedbeneath said proper/improper switch means in the coin path of travel forthe accepted proper coins, said follower switch means comprises athree-way switch constructed from two movable flaps, means forselectively actuating said flaps, and wherein said flaps can assume abasic position at which time none of the flaps are actuated, wherein oneflap is vertically arranged and the other arranged at an inclination,and wherein both upper edges of said flaps extend substantially paralleland contact to one side of an imaginary drop line, so that a coin whicharrives from above is deflected via the inclined positioned outer sideof the inclined flap from the imaginary fall line towards the otherside, wherein upon actuating only one flap such no longer contacts theother flap and assumes a parallel position to the non-actuated flapwhich remains in its vertical basic position, so that the coin whichenters from above can move between both flaps downwardly along theimaginary fall line, and wherein upon actuating both flaps one moves outof the inclined basic position into a vertical work position, the otherflap moves out of the vertical basic position into an inclined workingposition, and wherein both flaps in the working position contact oneanother along their parallel extending upper edges, contact of said twoflaps being established to one side of an imaginary fall line, so that acoin which arrives from above can be deflected towards the other side ofthe imaginary fall line via the inclined positioned outside surface ofthe inclined flap, said actuating means for the flaps comprise magneticactuating means and said flaps are retained in a basic position by theforce of spring means and are brought into the working position by theforce of the magnetic actuating means against such spring force, andwherein the magnetic actuating means include flap armature magnetshaving armature means, and wherein the flaps are fixedly connected withthe armature means.
 8. The coin checking device as defined in claim 7,wherein a two-way flap mechanism is arranged beneath outlet channels forthe proper coins.
 9. The coin checking device as defined in claim 8,wherein all type-related outlet channels of the follower switch meansare located in alignment with one another.
 10. The coin checking deviceas defined in claim 9, wherein a number of outlet channels of thefollower switch means are serviced by a single two-way switch means forthe purpose of doubling the sorting possibilities.